Mazda Clutch Service

Your clutch plays a vital role in the performance of your Mazda or other vehicle. Without your clutch, you wouldn’t be able to drive at all. That pedal that can be so hard to master for many connects the engine and the transmission, controlling the vehicle’s movement. Press the clutch, and you briefly disengage the engine so that you can change gears or idle the vehicle. Release the clutch, and the vehicle will be in motion at the appropriate speed for the chosen gear.

The clutch is connected to a complex system, and it is composed of many parts. If any of these parts fails, the entire clutch could be in jeopardy, and you can experience problems with your engine, transmission, or other major components. It is critical that you get a regular clutch service to ensure that it is in good, working condition and that there are no emerging problems with other parts of your vehicle.

Signs that You May Need a Clutch Service

Typically, you should have your clutch inspected once a year as a part of your other, routine maintenance. However, problems can emerge with your clutch at any time, so it is important that you stay alert to signs of trouble. Any of these signs could indicate that you need to bring your vehicle in for a clutch service:

Strange Noises or Smells

Anyone who’s ever learned how to drive a manual transmission vehicle has likely heard the sound of grinding gears when they didn’t use the clutch properly. But the clutch should actually be a silent helper, working unnoticed in the background. If you notice any strange noises when using your clutch, including grinding when you press or release the clutch, that’s a good sign that there’s a problem. Likewise if you notice any strange smells, particularly a burning smell.

Get to a certified Mazda service center as soon as you can to investigate. Otherwise, you could end up with bigger problems that are harder and more expensive to fix.

Sticking or Otherwise Slow Response

You should push the clutch, change your gear, and be on your way. But if you notice that the clutch sticks when you push it, that’s a sure sign of a problem. If you have to push the clutch more than one time to be able to change gears, or if your vehicle stalls, those are also signs of a problem.

Don’t just learn to manage these issues. Just because your vehicle continues to drive doesn’t mean that it’s healthy. Pay attention to those symptoms with the clutch and see a certified mechanic for a proper diagnosis. Fixing your clutch can prevent bigger problems from developing.

Spongy Feeling

The clutch experiences a great deal of pressure and friction, and over time, it can start to wear down. You won’t notice this right away because you aren’t in the habit of getting under your vehicle and looking at your clutch’s components. But you may notice that your clutch feels “spongey,” or that it feels soft when you press it.

That’s a sign that your clutch likely needs to be replaced. Get to a certified Mazda service center as soon as possible.

Changes in RPM

You can tell what gear you need to be in by the RPMs displaying on your dash. When you change gears, you should notice a change in RPM. If you change gears and the RPM doesn’t change - or it doesn’t change as much or as little as it should - you may have a problem. You’ll need to get your vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic.

Slipping

Wear and tear can also make it harder for the clutch to grip. Again, you may not see this damage, but you may notice it because the car starts to “slip” out of gear, which will manifest as jerking or as the car going back into a lower gear.

This is a sign that the clutch is failing, so you should see a mechanic quickly if you notice it.

Scheduling a Clutch Service

You should plan to get a routine inspection and service for your clutch about once a year. Your mechanic will look closely at all the parts for any signs of damage or other problems and will replace any parts that need it. Your mechanic will also make any needed adjustments if parts are loose and will check the clutch hydraulic fluid and fill it if it is low.

Of course, if you notice any of the above signs between maintenance visits, you should bring your car in as soon as possible. Even with regular maintenance, your car can experience problems. Failing to get them addressed as quickly as possible can just lead to bigger problems later.

Some of the parts that may need to be repaired or replaced include:

• Flywheel
• Master Cylinder
• Release Fork
• Clutch Plate
• Clutch Pedal
• Clutch Cable
• Hydraulic Line
• Clutch Release Bearing

It is essential that you have these parts inspected and serviced regularly so that they do not fail, resulting in expensive repairs. If any of these parts need to be replaced, be sure to have that done quickly and with genuine Mazda parts to protect your vehicle from further or future damage.

Schedule a Clutch Service with the Trusted, Certified Mazda Professionals at Seacoast Mazda

Don’t wait until your clutch is worn out and stops working to bring it in for service. You put your safety and your investment in jeopardy. Call the certified Mazda service professionals at Seacoast Mazda today to schedule your clutch service. Our service experts are trained to work on all models of Mazda vehicles, as well as other makes and models, and they use genuine Mazda parts for Mazda vehicles to ensure accuracy of fit and optimal performance.

We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of service for outstanding results and improved health for your vehicle. We maintain flexible service hours for your convenience. Call us today to schedule a clutch service or other maintenance or repair for your vehicle.